A man from Afghanistan discovered trying to cross the Channel in a small boat has previously entered the UK on numerous occasions.

Aziz Akakhel, 32, has already been turned down for asylum in this country - but was found by Border Force officers attempting to cross the waters between France and England on October 29.

He was taken to Manston immigration processing centre in Thanet where it was discovered he had a history of entering this country illegally.

He was charged with arriving in the UK without a valid entry clearance and initially denied the allegation when he appeared at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on November 11.

That case was adjourned so an interpretor could be sought.

He re-appeared at the same court on November 22 and pleaded guilty to the offence.

Sidumiso Mayo prosecuting told magistrates Home Office records showed Akakhel had first entered the UK hidden in a lorry in 2007.

She added: "He claimed for asylum in January 2007 and this was refused in February 2007.

"He appealed the decision in April that year and this again was refused in July the same year and he was put on reported restrictions but was reported as an absconder."

Miss Mayo went on to explain nothing more was heard from Akakhel until January 2017 when he was arrested at the Port of Dover trying to get on a ferry.

She added: "He told officials he was trying to get to Italy via France, where he said he had been since 2014."

The court was also told at this point, Akakhel agreed to voluntarily be taken back to Italy and was sent to Rome in 2017.

Miss Mayo added: "There was no further contact with him until he was intercepted in the Channel on October 29 this year."

As a result, magistrates decided to send his case to Canterbury Crown Court to be sentenced.

Akakhel will appear there on a date to be fixed.